Businesses asked to reveal what barriers they face in accessing superfast broadband

Businesses have been invited by the government to speak up about what is stopping them accessing superfast broadband.

According to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), high-quality communications connectivity is essential for businesses to participate in and fuel the digital economy.

In addition, it believes the connectivity needs of businesses will continue to grow in the coming months and years.

BIS has therefore opened a consultation so it can learn more about what obstacles are preventing companies from getting superfast connectivity.

Businesses, communications providers and other parties are being encouraged to respond ahead of the June 3rd deadline.

"The UK has 5.4 million small and medium-sized enterprises, constituting 99.9 per cent of UK businesses and accounting for 60 per cent of private sector employment and 47 per cent of business revenue," BIS said.

Furthermore, it said figures from Ofcom show that more than eight in ten small businesses consider communication services fundamental to their operations, while a similar proportion use a fixed broadband connection.

BIS added that it hopes this consultation will add to the government's knowledge on the issue and give it a "deeper understanding of the connectivity needs and choices businesses have".

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